Local Government Act 1972

142 Provision of information, etc., relating to matters affecting local government.E+W

(1)A local authority may make, or assist in the making of, arrangements whereby the public may on application readily obtain, either at premises specially maintained for the purpose or otherwise, information concerning the services available within the area of the authority provided either by the authority or by other authorities [F1mentioned in subsection (1B) below] or by government departments or by charities and other voluntary organisations, and other information [F2relating to the functions of the authority].

[F3(1A)A local authority may arrange for the publication within their area of information as to the services available in the area provided by them or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below.

[F4(1AA)A local authority may—

(a)for the purpose of broadcasting or distributing information falling within subsection (1AB), provide an electronic communications network or electronic communications service, or

(b)arrange with the provider of such a network or service for the broadcasting or distribution of such information by means of the network or service.

(1AB)Information falls within this subsection, in relation to a local authority, if it is one or both of the following—

(a)information concerning the services within the area of the authority that are provided either by the authority themselves or by other authorities mentioned in subsection (1B) below;

(b)information relating to the functions of the authority.

(1AC)Nothing in subsection (1AA) entitles a local authority to do anything in contravention of a requirement or restriction imposed by or under—

(a)[F5Part 2 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006],

(b)the Broadcasting Act 1990,

(c)the Broadcasting Act 1996, or

(d)the Communications Act 2003,

and in that subsection “electronic communications network” and “electronic communications service” each has the same meaning as in the Communications Act 2003.]

(1B)The other authorities referred to above are any other local authority, F6... a joint authority established by Part IV of the Local Government Act 1985 [F7, an economic prosperity board, a combined authority] [F8, a combined county authority] and any authority, board or committee which discharges functions which would otherwise fall to be discharged by two or more local or other such authorities.]

(2)A local authority may—

(a)arrange for the publication within their area of information [F9relating to the functions of the authority]; and

(b)arrange for the delivery of lectures and addresses and the holding of discussions on such matters; and

(c)arrange for the display of pictures, cinematograph films or models or the holding of exhibitions relating to such matters; and

(d)prepare, or join in or contribute to the cost of the preparation of, pictures, films, models or exhibitions to be displayed or held as aforesaid.

[F10(2A)A local authority may assist voluntary organisations to provide for individuals—

(a)information and advice concerning those individuals’ rights and obligations; and

(b)assistance, either by the making or receiving of communications or by providing representation to or before any person or body, in asserting those rights or fulfilling those obligations.]

(3)In this section “local authority” includes the Common Council and “voluntary organisation” means a body which is not a public body but whose activities are carried on otherwise than for profit.

(4)[F11This section shall have effect as if any reference to a local authority included a reference to the London Fire Commissioner.]